Preparedness/Be ReadyOur city has a dedicated and professional team of first responders that is training for emergency response. But by taking a few simple precautions and planning ahead, you can help protect your family's safety in the even of an emergency. Get a kit, make a plan, and get informed. Develop your family or business preparedness plan!

The Alexandria Citizen Corps Council (CCC) was established under the City Code in 2005 to advise and support the City Council of Alexandria to help Alexandria minimize the impact of disaster through prevention, preparation, and effective response measures.

Two primary components of this effort are preparedness and volunteerism. Individuals, businesses, and other organizations should take a number of steps to prepare for potential disasters (see "Preparedness" section of this website for additional information). Individuals interested in volunteering to assist in disaster preparedness and response have a number of programs available, including the Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), the Neighborhood Watch Program, and the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program.

By enhancing preparedness and volunteer mechanisms, the CCC will help ensure that Alexandria is a community that unites together to prevent and minimize the consequences of a disaster or threat to people’s health, property and safety.

VolunteeringThe City of Alexandria has established a number of programs for individuals interested in volunteering to assist in disaster preparedness and response. For volunteer opportunities related to emergency preparedness or response, visit the Alexandria Volunteer Bureau, or visit any of the specialized sites below.

The Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) provide citizens with a mechanism to increase neighborhood disaster readiness and support first responders during emergencies and disasters. Training is provided in how to assess damage after a disaster, extinguish small fires, perform light search and rescue, triage and provide first aid, and provide much needed assistance in times of crisis. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders by providing immediate assistance to victims and organizing spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also participate in non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a group of volunteers that includes individuals with medical training and experience as well as individuals from a wide range of non-medical backgrounds. The MRC’s local mission is to strengthen the health emergency preparedness and response of the people in Alexandria, and to develop a Corps of medical and non-medical volunteers to respond as needed to such emergencies. MRC volunteer activities range from community preparedness to assistinging in a variety of settings if a natural or terrorist-caused health emergency occurs.

The Alexandria Neighborhood Watch Program, operated by the Alexandria Police Department, assists any group wishing to organize a Neighborhood Watch Program by attending the initial meetings and explaining how the program works. Pamphlets and handouts are provided explaining the program. When 70% of the area completes the requirements of having a security survey and marking property for identification (see Operation ID), Crime Watch signs are posted throughout the neighborhood.

The Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program allows citizens who wish to donate their time and talents to the Police department to assist with administrative and operations support duties, thus allowing officers to spend more time on law enforcement and crime prevention activities.

By enhancing preparedness and volunteer mechanisms, the CCC will help ensure that Alexandria is a community that unites together to prevent and minimize the consequences of a disaster or threat to people’s health, property and safety.